The current MK2 24-70 is said to have amazing IQ, if this f4 version is sharp and great using the same design too then it leaves the 24-105mm as a less sharp kit lens. so yes for a decent price this would be good - but still not a f2.8 :-( Also we need to ask how this fits into movie cam use?

*Scratches head*.... What the heck is Canon Marketing doing? Please put yourself out of misery or fire whoever the plant is from Nikon in your camp! I have nothing new to add as everyone has already or soon will cover much of the frustration. 24-105 IS L f4 is a popular lens, so you shorten its range... and keep the speed the same at f4, and people are gonna line up!?

Yes, It will be cheaper in production, Just like the 18-55mm kit lens. And just like that 18-55mm kit lens, You won't see many people actually going and Buying this lens for they're current cameras.

I've been looking for a replacement for my 18-55 and this lens seems somewhat ideal as it fits between the 10-22 and the 70-200 if you have a crop body. I do agree with you otherwise though, I can't see many other reasons for someone to consider this lens other than mine.

Yes, It will be cheaper in production, Just like the 18-55mm kit lens. And just like that 18-55mm kit lens, You won't see many people actually going and Buying this lens for they're current cameras.

I've been looking for a replacement for my 18-55 and this lens seems somewhat ideal as it fits between the 10-22 and the 70-200 if you have a crop body. I do agree with you otherwise though, I can't see many other reasons for someone to consider this lens other than mine.

Unless...you know, I've picked up an old, used 24-85. It isn't the sharpest lens but man, the SIZE is wonderful. If this new 24-70 is just as compact, they make the aperture constant, add in IS, and keep the price $800 or below, it could be an attractive option for those wishing to travel light. While the 24-105 is not a HUGE lens, it's definitely substantial on all but the biggest bodies (5D/1D series).

+1

I also assume that this 24-70/4 IS will fill the gap of the 24-85 USM. Guess that the "L" is just marketing...

Yes, It will be cheaper in production, Just like the 18-55mm kit lens. And just like that 18-55mm kit lens, You won't see many people actually going and Buying this lens for they're current cameras.

I've been looking for a replacement for my 18-55 and this lens seems somewhat ideal as it fits between the 10-22 and the 70-200 if you have a crop body. I do agree with you otherwise though, I can't see many other reasons for someone to consider this lens other than mine.

What if there was another loss in translation, and this will actually be a 17-70mm f/4L IS. Now, that would be interesting...

Or... it could really just be the 24-70 IS f2.8, though I don't see how Canon can price that thing after the 2.2K for the non IS version. For a standard zoom over 2500-2800 would be a bit high and they wont' be able to move them in large numbers. All I know is the f4 IS version makes no sense... none.